Facelift Valparaiso, IN

To yourself, you are only as old as you feel; but to others, you’re only as young as you look. The first thing to give away your age is always your face – and Mother Nature is not always so kind. Years of environmental damage, gravity, genetics, stress, and the aging process can lead to sagging, wrinkled skin. Combine that with a loss of volume, and it’s easy to see why a facelift can be beneficial to those looking for a rejuvenated and more youthful look.

A facelift – also known as a rhytidectomy – is a surgical procedure used to address moderate to severe wrinkling and sagging in the area of the face beneath the eyes and brow line. It is often combined with a brow and neck lift to deliver dramatic results and shave years off the face. Both men and women can benefit from a facelift, especially if they are bothered by:

Sagging jowls

Loss of volume

Loose, hanging skin

“Double chin”

Deep laugh or frown lines

Deep creases under the eyes

Are You A Candidate For A Facelift?

Facelifts are major surgical procedures. They are not intended for individuals who are only beginning to notice the signs of aging; rather, they are typically recommended for patients who are over 40 years of age. You will meet with Dr. Bose in a personal consultation to determine whether this procedure could be right for you. Your visit will include a review of your medical history, a discussion about your goals for treatment, and an examination of your facial skin and bone structure.

What To Expect

If you are found to be a good candidate for a facelift, you will undergo the procedure in a surgical facility under a general anesthetic. An incision will be made along the hairline, and the skin separated from the underlying facial structures. The underlying musculofascial layers can be repositioned and tightened before the excess skin and fat is cut away. Finally, the skin is repositioned and reconnected to the facial tissues to smooth out lines, wrinkles, and sagging areas. The idea is to restore the youthful appearance of the face without pulling it so tight that it looks unnatural.

For standard facelifts, this process can take several hours. In some cases, however, patients with less severe signs of aging may qualify for a mini-facelift, which involves a smaller incision right along the ear without carrying it onto the scalp at the back of the ear. The mini-lift allows for tightening of facial muscles, but the smaller incision and simplicity of the procedure dramatically reduce the recovery time necessary after the surgery.

Patients who undergo mini-facelifts may be able to go home the same day as surgery. More extensive operations that involve full facial rejuvenation may require an overnight stay in our surgical facility. It is normal to experience some pain and swelling – especially in the early days following surgery. This is typically managed with pain medications, and most patients can return to work within a couple of weeks.

Maintenance

Your results will continue to improve in the months following surgery, however, you will need to take special care of your skin and face to optimize your final outcome and preserve it long-term. Nothing can stop you from continuing to age, but there are steps you can take to heal properly and look as young as possible for as long as possible. These include:

Avoiding sun exposure in the weeks following surgery (this is especially important to prevent scars from becoming more prominent)

Continuing to wear sunscreen on a daily basis

Using quality skincare products

Maintaining a consistent weight (to prevent the skin from stretching out again)

If you are bothered by signs of aging, it may be time to meet with Dr. Bose to discuss your options for restoring your youthful appearance. Here at Bose Plastic Surgery, we work not just to make you look younger, but to make you look like you feel on the inside. Call us today to find out more or schedule your consultation. Our practice serves Valparaiso, Chesterton, Hobart, Merrillville, Schererville, Munster, Crown Point, Chicago, South Bend, New Buffalo. We look forward to meeting you soon.